INTRODUCTION TO OIL TECHNIQUES
Oil Painting Classes Birmingham
Introduction to Oil Painting Class Birmingham
I’ve so often heard art students say how much they’d like to try oils, but don’t really know where to start, or feel too intimidated to try them.
The Intro to Oil Painting Techniques course, located in the beautiful surroundings of St Paul’s church, aims to gently introduce you to the materials used in oil painting and to show you how accessible and beautiful a medium it can be.
Once you try oils, you’ll never go back!
On the course itself I’ll get you familiar with using oil paints and mediums. I’ll show you how to make your own mounted canvas frames (canvas is notoriously expensive, so why not prepare your own?).
We’ll learn to prime your canvas for painting, how to do an underpainting in monochrome, and the technique of ‘fat over lean’.
I’ll show you how to lay out an organised palette, work with limited colours, lay down a tonal ground, glazing techniques, value studies, and of course the basics of colour mixing itself.
We’ll be setting up still life’s that are stimulating and contain drama. We’ll be looking at how to tackle a landscape, portraits, the benefits of studying a Master copy painting, and painting the figure using this most versatile of mediums.
The 10-week course will cost £250 in total, which can be paid in two instalments after confirming your place with a deposit of £100.
Unfortunately, I can only offer a maximum of 10 places for each class, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Although the course is suitable for students who have never previously tried oil painting, some basic knowledge or experience of painting, in general, would be beneficial.
All basic materials will be provided, including easels, brushes, palettes, and paints. Although a personal sketchbook is certainly not mandatory, I recommended it.
How do I choose a class or workshop?
Easy! Just go to the ‘Book an Art Class’ section of the website and choose between the two types of course on offer and which day and time suits you best. It’s a clear, step-by-step process from there.
I’m a first-time art student ― what class should I take?
That all depends on what kind of materials you want to use. The Drawing and Painting Techniques course will introduce you to a number of different materials and approaches, which will include pencil, charcoal, pastel, watercolour, acrylic, ink, and mixed media. You can go at your own pace and it is generally assumed that you are a beginner.
Whereas the Intro to Oil painting class focuses exclusively on painting with this beautiful medium, it is also certainly suitable for beginners as well.
Is there a break during the class?
Although I often begin a class with a demonstration, especially if I’m introducing a new technique, students are free to make a hot drink at any time. There are no specific breaks, just go and help yourself!
How do I register?
You can register by going to the ‘Book an Art Class’ section of the website, choosing which course suits you best, and following the step-by-step instructions all the way through to payment. You will receive a confirmation email after you have booked.
Are materials included in tuition prices?
Indeed they are. I supply almost all the art materials. The only thing I ask students to bring in for the ‘Drawing and Painting Techniques’ class is an A3 drawing/painting pad.
As for the ‘Intro to Oil Painting’ course, I supply everything except I ask students to bring in an old rag so as to wipe your brushes while you paint.
What happens if I miss a class?
Please contact me beforehand if you cannot make a class, then we can try and swap it with a Thursday or Saturday session instead (if there is a space available).
Where will the classes be held?
The classes are held at St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Square, in the Jewellery Quarter. The sessions have the added bonus of a beautiful stained glass window backdrop for your viewing pleasure, in a beautiful building that dates back to the 18th Century.
How long are the courses?
The ‘Intro to Oil Painting’ course runs for 10 weeks consecutively.
The Drawing and Painting Techniques course, in its entirety, will run for 12 weeks, although students can decide whether to book for 4, 8, or 12 weeks.
Is there Parking?
There is free parking on the grounds of the church, but unfortunately space is limited, so it is a case of first come, first serve.
Once I have completed the course can I book again?
Students often book on the courses again, and are of course most welcome to do so. Each semester follows a similar structure, but I often introduce new techniques and exercises.
How is each class structured?
I usually begin a session with a demonstration of the new technique I will be introducing that day, followed by a warm up exercise for the students. Then students can explore the theme we are working on at their own pace.
I always provide plenty of feedback and individual tuition if needed.
Oil Painting Course Dates
Wednesday evening 10 week course (18:30-21:00):
Start date- 2nd May
End date- 4th July
Saturday afternoon 10 week course (13:00-15:30):
Start date- 28th April
End date- 30th June
Wednesday evening 10 week course (18:30-21:00):
Start date- 12th September
End date- 14th November
Saturday afternoon 10 week course (13:00-15:30):
Start date- 15th September
End date- 17th November